The who’s who of the fashion world trotted out their latest bridal looks in late October at New York Bridal Fashion Week. Marriage equality must be in the air because several designers revealed wedding attire that I think would be perfect for lesbian brides and brooms.
Here are a few of my favorites.
I can see many gay girls rocking a wedding tuxedo like this one by Sarah Jassir. Finally, some acknowledgement that not every woman who gets married wants to wear a dress.
As if a haute couture tuxedo cut for a woman isn’t exciting enough, Jassir sent two bridal models down the runway hand-in-hand in an obvious nod to lesbian weddings. Hopefully the bridal industry will take a cue, and lesbian brides-to-be will get fewer cold shoulders and uncomfortable questions at dress shops all over the world.
No-nonsense power lesbians who want to get married in a dress, but not a traditional puffy white one, will love this hot number by Romona Keveza. This dress is elegant and feminine, but also tailored and tuxedo-esque — perfect for the gay lady who identifies as somewhere in between butch and femme.
Vera Wang’s 2012 collection, aptly named “Witchcraft,” eschewed traditional white gowns in favor or stunning black dresses. Straight brides might be a bit hesitant to buck tradition with a black gown, but I can see lesbian brides embracing this dark trend in a big way.
Black can be sleek and sexy like the dress on the left, or romantic like the gown on the right, which showcases a traditional silhouette in an unexpected color. Love it!
If you’re wearing a black dress, your fiancé may want to consider wearing a flowy white pantsuit like this one by Theia. I think the juxtaposition of a black dress with a white pantsuit is the perfect way to reinterpret the classic heterosexual white dress/black tuxedo look.
I’m so glad the LWD trend is still going strong. Several designers showed above-the-knee dresses that I think are ideal for active lesbian brides who don’t want to be weighed down by layers of tulle on their wedding days. This playful LWD by Monique Lhuillier has pockets, which practical brides will love.
You don’t need yards and yards of fabric to create a dramatic look, as evidenced by this glamorous dress by Marchesa.
It is not lost on me that plenty of lesbian brides actually want to wear traditional long white wedding gowns, and plenty of fresh takes on the classic look were unveiled at New York Bridal Fashion Week. For example, many of the latest long dresses have shorter front hemlines like this one by Oscar de la Renta. I love this look because it’s a bit unexpected and you can show off your shoes.
Another emerging trend giving traditional bridal gowns some unexpected flair is the dramatic slit. If your legs are your best feature, show them off in a sexy dress by Reem Acra.
For a look that is demure without being dowdy, cover up in front while you show some skin in back. Sometimes leaving a bit to the imagination is the sexiest look of all.
Unfortunately, New York Bridal Fashion Week hasn’t evolved enough (yet) to include wedding attire for women who prefer a more masculine look. But, butch girls, have no fear, I haven’t forgotten about you. Stay tuned for a future column that focuses exclusively on wedding fashion for lesbians who love traditional menswear.
Which of the latest trends in bridal fashion speaks to you?
